Melbourne Area Blog

The opposition to Amendment 1 on the ballot claims that it does nothing about the inequality of "Save Our Homes". These are the people who would do away with "Save Our Homes'.... including the 3% cap for homesteaded property.

Yes, it will still favor homesteaded property, however for the first time there will be a cap for second home owners and investment property - 10%. The original plan was for a 5% cap, but that was voted down in conference. The 10% cap is a start, and hopefully in the future will be reduced to 5%.

The nay sayers say it will cut down on revenue, but just like any other tax cut it will boost sales and generate more revenue. The trickle down effect will help not only home sales, but employment in several industries and sales tax revenue for home improvement among other things.

Do not respond to the political email titled " Don't Get Burned On Amendment 1" 

Florida voter's approved the Property Tax amendment yesterday with a 65% "Yes". Going into yesterday the polls suggested that the 60% majority to pass would fail.

This should send a message that Florida voter's want tax relief.

And it is just a beginning as the Florida Taxation and Budget Commission (which meets every 20 years) is in session and is sure to have several proposals to go on the ballot in November.

I take exception to the Editorial in today's issue of Florida Today titled "Treacherous Waters" on several points.

It states that the amendment passed although it gives the most tax relief to to those who need it least, longtime Florida residents. I take exception to this as I have spoken with many seniors, mostly now single, with a house too large for them to maintain, and on a fixed income. These seniors could not afford to downsize because their taxes would double or triple in some cases.

The editorial goes on to say "In the end, the promise that average homeowners would save about $240 proved the selling point along with a widespread - but incorrect- belief that spending by local governments is out of control".

Reading from a report published in Florida Today last year titled" County's Trend is to Spend" it states that county department expenditures were up 40% in the last five years. A few figures taken from that report: 20 departments have a t least doubled spending during the past five years, inflation and population growth grew by about 20%, property tax revenue climbed by half to $240 million and the total budget reached 1.16 billion.

It is just two days until election day when Florida voter's will vote for property tax reform. After attending many meetings and listening to the pros and cons I am still in favor of the change.

Again, I feel that it doesn't go far enough, but it is a start. A "Yes" vote will send the message that Florida does need Tax Reform.

In Florida we have the "Florida Taxation and Budget Commission" which convenes once every 20 years. It is meeting now. This commission reviews the way the state raises and spends money. The recommendations then go before the voters in the November general election.

Common sense dictates that after review, the inequalities of "Save Our Homes" should be addressed. This would require a new tax initiative. If the initiative does away with SOH it would also take away the 3% cap.

Until then some relief is better than none.

 Vote "Yes"

It seems that there is a lot of misinformation being sent about the Property Tax amendment. Following are a few facts:

* It will double the $25,000 Homestead exemption for homes valued at $75,000 or more

* You WILL keep the 3% cap on homesteaded properties

* Portability of the 3% cap you have accumulated while living in your home

* A 10% cap on assessed value of any non-homestead property 

* New Tangible Personal Property Tax exemption of $25,000 

Although this is not a perfect solution, as I have stated before, it is a start. 

It is important to vote "Yes".

If this amendment is voted down it will send the message that tax relief is not that important to Florida Voter's. 

I had an interesting email from a local mortgage broker that I have done business with. He NEVER advertises rates, however yesterday he was excited enough to send an email with the following info:

30 year fixed

5% down

Full Documentation

5.25% - No points, no junk fees, just normal closing costs.

Inventory high, Rates low = Time to Buy!

With the upcoming vote for property tax reform, many that oppose it are claiming that the county will have to cut back on basic services such as fire, rescue, police and education. I agree that anything that effects those basic services should be of concern.

However, we should also look at some facts that pertain to the county budget.

Brevard County has not had a balanced budget since the year 2000. Each year, by law, the county can increase the budget a maximum of 10% of the previous year's budget. This has been done for several years in a row. Even in the past two years when the real estate market was slowing down and it was obvious that revenue would be down.

Florida Today wrote a very enlightening article on county spending, noting that expenditures were up40%  in the past 5 years. Twenty departments have at least DOUBLED their spending in the past five years.

Click on the link to view the article:

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/WATCHDOG/705080346/-1/watchdog01

To clear up a few misconceptions on the property tax amendment, following are the facts -